Abstract: With the extension of mining depth in a copper mine in Jiangxi，the grindability of the ores decrease，which directly affects the production capacity and product index of the concentrator. In order to eliminate these negative effects as much as possible，combined with the actual situation of concentrator，the HPGR test and ball grinding work indexes tests were carried out，and compared HPGR open-circuit scheme with leftover return scheme in terms of process，equipment layout and operation cost. The results showed that the HPGR process is suitable for the concentrator. Compared with open-circuit scheme，leftover return scheme has obvious advantages in reducing the number of system equipment and reducing the operating cost of grinding system，which is the preferred transformation scheme for HPGR in concentrator.

Key words: HPGR, grinding work indexes, leftover return, product particle, process configuration, economic analysis